Structure and function of membrane transporters and channels. Hormones, neurotransmitters, local mediators: biosynthesis and mechanism of action. Membrane and nuclear receptors Signal transduction. Protein homeostasis. Protein co-and post-translational modifications.
Berg Jeremy M.; Tymoczko John L.; Stryer Lubert Biochemistry
Lehninger Nelson Cox Biochemistry
Learning Objectives
The objectives are illustrated in agreement with the Dublin descriptors.
1. Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the chemical structure and related biosynthetic pathways of the main molecules implicated in cell communication (hormones, neurotrasmitters, local mediators), their molecular mechanism of action and their metabolic effects. Knowledge of the structural organization of membrane proteins endowed with transport or signal transduction function and their role in the cellular physiology.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: to be able to understand the relationships between the structure of protein macromolecules and their mode of signal transduction, with their interdependency and regulation.
3. Making judgements: to be able to evaluate experimental data related to biomolecule functioning and their connection to metabolism and cell communication.
4. Communication skills: to be able to show ability to extract and synthetize the relevant information. Refinement of the disciplinary dictionary in the area of biochemistry.
5. Learning skills: to demonstrate ability of reading, understanding and making comments about scientific texts of cellular biochemistry, also written in English.
Prerequisites
Principles of Biochemistry. Main metabolic pathways
Teaching Methods
lessons in the classroom
Course program
Principles of enzyme regulation and control of metabolism. Cell communication. Hormones, neurotransmitters, local mediators and their classification.
Mechanism of membrane transport. Passive mediated transport and active transport. Ion channels and their regulation.
Examples of transporters.
Acetylcholine and its receptors, GABA, glycine. Catecholamines. Adrenergic receptors as example of GPCR, and their molecular action mechanism. Cholesterol and the regulation of its metabolism. Lipoproteins. Cholesterol as precursor of steroid hormones. Cortisol, aldosterone, estrogens, vitamin D: biological effects, synthesis, specific receptors. Thyroid hormones: biosynthesis, regulation and biological effects.
Arachidonate derivatives. Growth factors. Protein hormones and their biosynthesis. Secretory proteins and intracellular trafficking. Folding in vivo and molecular chaperones. Protein co-and post-translational modifications: glycosylation and lipidation. Protein degradation and role of ubiquitin-proteasome. Membrane signal transduction. Main signaling pathways. Insulin: biosynthesis, regulation of secretion. Insulin receptor, signaling and evoked metabolic effects